Volume 19 Issue 1
Mar.  2026
Turn off MathJax
Article Contents
Article Navigation >  Water Science and Engineering  > 2026  >  19(1): 110-119
Alimoh Helen Alabi, Sarah Egbemolimi Lawanson, Peter Olusakin Oladoye, Mercy Wojuola, Kehinde Abiola Arasi, Kehinde Shola Obayomi. 2026: Trapping of cadmium(II) and nickel(II) from aqueous solutions using functionalized Albizia lebbeck seed pods: Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies. Water Science and Engineering, 19(1): 110-119. doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2025.12.001
Citation: Alimoh Helen Alabi, Sarah Egbemolimi Lawanson, Peter Olusakin Oladoye, Mercy Wojuola, Kehinde Abiola Arasi, Kehinde Shola Obayomi. 2026: Trapping of cadmium(II) and nickel(II) from aqueous solutions using functionalized Albizia lebbeck seed pods: Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies. Water Science and Engineering, 19(1): 110-119. doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2025.12.001
shu

Trapping of cadmium(II) and nickel(II) from aqueous solutions using functionalized Albizia lebbeck seed pods: Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies

doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2025.12.001

  • a. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria;

  • b. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, United States;

  • c. Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia;

  • d. Department of Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, CDT 250, Miri 98009, Sarawak, Malaysia

  • Received Date: 2025-06-01
  • Accepted Date: 2025-11-17
    • Available Online: 2026-03-28
    Abstract
  • Heavy metal contamination poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems due to its persistence and high toxicity. Consequently, the urgent removal of heavy metals from the environment is imperative. This study evaluated the adsorptive performance of unmodified (UAPS) and citric acid modified (MAPS) Albizia lebbeck seed pods as low-cost adsorbents for removing Cd2+ and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions. The physicochemical properties of the adsorbents were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy to examine surface chemistry and morphology. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the effects of pH, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH of 2, with an equilibrium time of 15 min for both UAPS and MAPS. The Temkin model best described the experimental data, with UAPS exhibiting higher maximum adsorption capacities (2.587 mg/g for Cd2+ adsorption and 25.900 mg/g for Ni2+ adsorption) than MAPS (1.488 mg/g for Cd2+ adsorption and 1.400 mg/g for Ni2+ adsorption). Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic, and well explained by the pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption—desorption experiments demonstrated strong adsorbent reusability over four cycles (with removal efficiencies greater than 60%). Overall, these findings indicate that UAPS is more effective in removing Cd2+ and Ni2+ and exhibits a stronger affinity for Ni2+.

     

    • FullText(HTML)
  • loading
    • References(56)
  • [1]
    Adeleke, A.O., Omar, R.C., Katibi, K.K., Dele-Afolabi, T.T., Ahmad, A., Quazim, J.O., Amusa, A.A., Alshammari, M.B., 2024a. Process optimization of superior biosorption capacity of biogenic oyster shells nanoparticles for Congo red and bromothymol blue dyes removal from aqueous solution: Response surface methodology, equilibrium isotherm, kinetic, and reusability studies. Alexandria Eng. J. 92, 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2024.02.042.
    [2]
    Adeleke, A.O., Royahu, C.O., Ahmad, A., Dele-Afolabi, T.T., Alshammari, M.B., Imteaz, M., 2024b. A novel oyster shell biocomposite for the efficient adsorptive removal of cadmium and lead from aqueous solution: Synthesis, process optimization, modelling and mechanism studies. PLoS One 19, e0294286. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294286.
    [3]
    Ahamed, K.R., Chandrasekaran, T., Kumar, A.A., 2013. Characterization of activated carbon prepared from Albizia lebbeck by physical activation. Int. J. Interdiscip. Res. Innov. 1, 26-31.
    [4]
    Ahmad, M.A., Eusoff, M.A., Oladoye, P.O., Adegoke, K.A., Bello, O.S., 2021. Optimization and batch studies on adsorption of methylene blue dye using pomegranate fruit peel based adsorbent. Chem. Data Collect. 32, 100676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdc.2021.100676.
    [5]
    Ahmed, M.J., Theydan, S.K., 2014. Optimization of microwave preparation conditions for activated carbon from Albizia lebbeck seed pods for methylene blue dye adsorption. J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis 105, 199-208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2013.11.005.
    [6]
    Aiyesanmi, A.F., Adebayo, M.A., Arowojobe, Y., 2020. Biosorption of lead and cadmium from aqueous solution in single and binary systems using avocado pear exocarp: Effects of competing ions. Anal. Lett. 53(18), 2868-2885. https://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2020.1760294.
    [7]
    Alabi, A., Olanrewaju, C., Suara, S., 2018. Biosorption of phosphate ion on Albizia lebbeck seed pod with and without organic acid modification. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manag. 22(5), 647. https://doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v22i5.7.
    [8]
    Alabi, A.H., Akano, O.R., Ekele, W.K., Olanrewaju, C.A., Oladoye, P.O., Obayomi, K.S., 2024a. Biosorptive removal of toxic nitrate ion from wastewater using Albizia lebbeck seed pods: Isotherm and equilibrium studies. J. Indian Chem. Soc. 101, 101353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jics.2024.101353.
    [9]
    Alabi, A.H., Ibe, K.K., Abi, P., Olanrewaju, C.A., Oladoye, P.O., Obayomi, K.S., 2024b. Calcined biomass-bentonite composites as eco-friendly adsorbents for the treatment of toxic anionic and cationic dye wastewater. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces 16, 100279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsurfi.2024.100279.
    [10]
    Alabi, A.H., Lawanson, S.E., Oladoye, P.O., Bello, N.Y., 2024c. Methylene blue and Congo red dye elimination from synthetic wastewater using Albizia lebbeck seed pod powder: Isotherm and kinetic and mechanistic studies. Int. J. Phytoremediation 26(14), 2366-2377. https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2024.2390190.
    [11]
    Ali Khan Rao, R., Khatoon, A., 2017. Sorption studies for Cd(II) sequestration from aqueous solution on chemically modified Albizia lebbeck. Sep. Sci. Technol. 52(3), 435-446. https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2016.1213285.
    [12]
    Anwar, J., Shafique, U., Waheed-uz-Zaman, Salman, M., Dar, A., Anwar, S., 2010. Removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from water by adsorption on peels of banana. Bioresour. Technol. 101(6), 1752-1755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2009.10.021.
    [13]
    Aungthitipan, P., Janthakhot, A., Tansomrot, P., Wongcharee, S., Hongthong, S., Kreetachat, T., Imman, S., Dechapanya, W., 2025. Mesoporous biochar composite derived from hardwood and post-recycled plastic waste in Thailand: A case study of nickel removal in acidic solution. South African J. Chem. Eng. 53, 242-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2025.05.002.
    [14]
    Ayala, J., Fernandez, B., 2019. Removal of zinc, cadmium and nickel from mining waste leachate using walnut shells. Environ. Prot. Eng. 45(2). https://doi.org/10.37190/epe190210.
    [15]
    Baby, R., Saifullah, B., Hussein, M.Z., 2019. Palm kernel shell as an effective adsorbent for the treatment of heavy metal contaminated water. Sci. Rep. 9, 18955. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55099-6.
    [16]
    Balkrishna, A., Sakshi, Chauhan, M., Dabas, A., Arya, V., 2022. A comprehensive insight into the phytochemical, pharmacological potential, and traditional medicinal uses of Albizia lebbeck (L.) benth. Evidence-Based Complement. Altern. Med. 2022, 5359669. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5359669.
    [17]
    Bhattacharyya, K.G., Sen Gupta, S., 2006. Adsorption of chromium(VI) from water by clays. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 45(21), 7232-7240. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie060586j.
    [18]
    Elsherif, K.M., Saad, R.A.A., Ewlad-Ahmed, A.M., Treban, A.A., Iqneebir, A.M., 2024. Adsorption of Cd(II) onto olive stones powder biosorbent: Isotherms and kinetic studies. Adv. J. Chem. Sect. A 7(1), 59-74. https://doi.org/10.48309/ajca.2024.415865.1415.
    [19]
    Gautam, R.K., Mudhoo, A., Lofrano, G., Chattopadhyaya, M.C., 2014. Biomass-derived biosorbents for metal ions sequestration: Adsorbent modification and activation methods and adsorbent regeneration. J. Environ. Chem. Eng. 2, 239-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2013.12.019.
    [20]
    Gupta, V.K., Rastogi, A., Nayak, A., 2010. Biosorption of nickel onto treated alga (Oedogonium hatei): Application of isotherm and kinetic models. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 342, 533-539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2009.10.074.
    [21]
    Hasan, M.K., Shahriar, A., Jim, K.U., 2019. Water pollution in Bangladesh and its impact on public health. Heliyon 5, e02145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02145.
    [22]
    Hegazy, G.E., Soliman, N.A., Ossman, M.E., Abdel-Fattah, Y.R., Moawad, M.N., 2023. Isotherm and kinetic studies of cadmium biosorption and its adsorption behaviour in multi-metals solution using dead and immobilized archaeal cells. Sci. Rep. 13, 2550. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29456-5.
    [23]
    Kaleem, M., Minhas, L.A., Hashmi, M.Z., Ali, M.A., Mahmoud, R.M., Saqib, S., Nazish, M., Zaman, W., Samad Mumtaz, A., 2023. Biosorption of cadmium and lead by dry biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11: Kinetic and isotherm study. Molecules 28(5), 2292. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052292.
    [24]
    Kumar, A., Singh, R., Kumar, S.K.U., Charaya, M.U., 2021. Biosorption: The removal of toxic dyes from industrial effluent using phytobiomass-A Review. PLANT Arch. 21(S1), 1320-1325. https://doi.org/10.51470/PLANTARCHIVES.2021.v21.S1.207.
    [25]
    Kumar, P.S., Ramalingam, S., Kirupha, S.D., Murugesan, A., Vidhyadevi, T., Sivanesan, S., 2011. Adsorption behavior of nickel(II) onto cashew nut shell: Equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanism and process design. Chem. Eng. J. 167, 122-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2010.12.010.
    [26]
    Latiff, A.A.A., Adeleke Abdul Rahman, O., Daud, Z., Ridzuan, M.B., Mat Daud, N.F., 2016. Batch adsorption of manganese from palm oil mill effluent onto activated cow bone powder. ARPN J. Eng. Appl. Sci. 11(4), 2627-2631.
    [27]
    Li, J., Dong, X., Liu, X., Xu, X., Duan, W., Park, J., Gao, L., Lu, Y., 2022. Comparative study on the adsorption characteristics of heavy metal ions by activated carbon and selected natural adsorbents. Sustainability 14(23), 15579. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315579.
    [28]
    Liu, H., Wei, Y., Luo, J., Li, T., Wang, D., Luo, S., Crittenden, J.C., 2019. 3D hierarchical porous-structured biochar aerogel for rapid and efficient phenicol antibiotics removal from water. Chem. Eng. J. 368, 639-648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.03.007.
    [29]
    Lodeiro, P., Cordero, B., Barriada, J.L., Herrero, R., de Vicente, M.E.S., 2005. Biosorption of cadmium by biomass of brown marine macroalgae. Bioresour. Technol. 96(16), 1796-1803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.01.002.
    [30]
    Long, J., Gao, X., Su, M., Li, H., Chen, D., Zhou, S., 2018. Performance and mechanism of biosorption of nickel(II) from aqueous solution by non-living Streptomyces roseorubens SY. Colloids Surfaces A Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 548, 125-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2018.03.040.
    [31]
    Marimuthu, S., Antonisamy, A.J., Malayandi, S., Rajendran, K., Tsai, P.-C., Pugazhendhi, A., Ponnusamy, V.K., 2020. Silver nanoparticles in dye effluent treatment: A review on synthesis, treatment methods, mechanisms, photocatalytic degradation, toxic effects and mitigation of toxicity. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 205, 111823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111823.
    [32]
    Marshall, W., Wartelle, L., Boler, D., Johns, M., Toles, C., 1999. Enhanced metal adsorption by soybean hulls modified with citric acid. Bioresour. Technol. 69(3), 263-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-8524(98)00185-0.
    [33]
    Mathabatha, T.I.K., Matheri, A.N., Belaid, M., 2023. Peanut shell-derived biochar as a low-cost adsorbent to extract cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, and zinc (heavy metals) from wastewater: Circular economy approach. Circ. Econ. Sustain. 3, 1045-1064. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-022-00207-4.
    [34]
    Mushtaq, M., Tan, I.M., Ismail, L., Nadeem, M., Sagir, M., Azam, R., Hashmet, R., 2014. Influence of PZC (point of zero charge) on the static adsorption of anionic surfactants on a Malaysian sandstone. J. Dispers. Sci. Technol. 35(3), 343-349. https://doi.org/10.1080/01932691.2013.785362.
    [35]
    Mustapha, S., Shuaib, D.T., Ndamitso, M.M., Etsuyankpa, M.B., Sumaila, A., Mohammed, U.M., Nasirudeen, M.B., 2019. Adsorption isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions using Albizia lebbeck pods. Appl. Water Sci. 9, 142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-1021-x.
    [36]
    Noman, E., Al-Gheethi, A., Saphira Radin Mohamed, R.M., Al-Sahari, M., Hossain, M.S., Vo, D.V.N., Naushad, M., 2022. Sustainable approaches for nickel removal from wastewater using bacterial biomass and nanocomposite adsorbents: A review. Chemosphere 291, 132862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132862.
    [37]
    Obayomi, K.S., Bello, J.O., Yahya, M.D., Chukwunedum, E., Adeoye, J.B., 2020. Statistical analyses on effective removal of cadmium and hexavalent chromium ions by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Heliyon 6, e04174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04174.
    [38]
    Obayomi, K.S., Muhorakeye, A., Bernstein, R., Gross, A., 2025. Bimetallic oxide nanocomposite hydrochar for phosphate capture from aqueous environments. Sep. Purif. Technol. 376, 134142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2025.134142.
    [39]
    Odoemelam, S.A., Udongwo, A.M., Okoro, I.A., 2020. Heavy metals pollution in surface water and sediment of lower Cross River System in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Commun. Phys. Sci. 5(2), 117-123.
    [40]
    Oladoye, P.O., Liu, G., Zhang, Q., Cai, Y., 2025. Reduction and amalgamation of mercury in silver nanoparticle suspensions under dark conditions. Chemosphere 371, 144035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.144035.
    [41]
    Oyekanmi, A.A., Latiff, A.A.A., Daud, Z., Mohamed, R.M.S.R., Aziz, N.A.A., Ismail, N., Rafatullah, M., Ahmad, A., Hossain, K., 2019. Adsorption of pollutants from palm oil mill effluent using natural adsorbents: Optimization and isotherm studies. Desalin. Water Treat. 169, 181-190. https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2019.24689.
    [42]
    Oyekanmi, A.A., Katibi, K.K., Omar, R.C., Ahmad, A., Elbidi, M., Alshammari, M.B., Shitu, I.G., 2024. A novel oil palm frond magnetic biochar for the efficient adsorption of crystal violet and sunset yellow dyes from aqueous solution: Synthesis, kinetics, isotherm, mechanism and reusability studies. Appl. Water Sci. 14, 13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-023-02060-8.
    [43]
    Pang, Y., Zhao, C., Li, Y., Li, Q., Bayongzhong, X., Peng, D., Huang, T., 2022. Cadmium adsorption performance and mechanism from aqueous solution using red mud modified with amorphous MnO2. Sci. Rep. 12, 4424. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08451-2.
    [44]
    Pretsch, E., Buhlmann, P., Affolter, C., 2000. Structure Determination of Organic Compounds. Springer, Berlin. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04201-4.
    [45]
    Raj, A.R.A., Mylsamy, P., Sivasankar, V., Kumar, B.S., Omine, K., Sunitha, T.G., 2024. Heavy metal pollution of river water and eco-friendly remediation using potent microalgal species. Water Science and Engineering 17(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wse.2023.04.001.
    [46]
    Rasheed, T., Shafi, S., Bilal, M., Hussain, T., Sher, F., Rizwan, K., 2020. Surfactants-based remediation as an effective approach for removal of environmental pollutants-A review. J. Mol. Liq. 318, 113960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2020.113960.
    [47]
    Reddad, Z., Gerente, C., Andres, Y., Le Cloirec, P., 2002. Adsorption of several metal ions onto a low-cost biosorbent: Kinetic and equilibrium studies. Environ. Sci. Technol. 36(9), 2067-2073. https://doi.org/10.1021/es0102989.
    [48]
    Sadaf, S., Bhatti, H.N., 2014. Batch and fixed bed column studies for the removal of Indosol Yellow BG dye by peanut husk. J. Taiwan Inst. Chem. Eng. 45(2), 541-553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2013.05.004.
    [49]
    Sari, A., Tuzen, M., 2008. Biosorption of cadmium(II) from aqueous solution by red algae (Ceramium virgatum): Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies. J. Hazard. Mater. 157(1-2), 448-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.01.008.
    [50]
    Satya, A., Harimawan, A., Haryani, G.S., Johir, M.A.H., Vigneswaran, S., Ngo, H.H., Setiadi, T., 2020. Batch study of cadmium biosorption by carbon dioxide enriched Aphanothece sp. dried biomass. Water 12(10), 264. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12010264.
    [51]
    Srivastava, V.C., Mall, I.D., Mishra, I.M., 2009. Competitive adsorption of cadmium(II) and nickel(II) metal ions from aqueous solution onto rice husk ash. Chem. Eng. Process. Process Intensif. 48(1), 370-379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cep.2008.05.001.
    [52]
    Tcheka, C., Abia, D., Iyedjolbo, B., Akpomie, K.G., Harouna, M., Conradie, J., 2024. Biosorption of cadmium ions from aqueous solution onto alkaline-treated coconut shell powder: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics studies. Biomass Convers. Biorefinery 14, 7623-7634. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-03099-4.
    [53]
    Ullah, M., Nazir, R., Khan, M., Khan, W., Shah, M., Afridi, S.G., Zada, A., 2020. The effective removal of heavy metals from water by activated carbon adsorbents of Albizia lebbeck and Melia azedarach seed shells. Soil Water Res. 15, 30-37. https://doi.org/10.17221/212/2018-SWR.
    [54]
    Velarde, L., Nikjoo, D., Escalera, E., Akhtar, F., 2024. Bolivian natural zeolite as a low-cost adsorbent for the adsorption of cadmium: Isotherms and kinetics. Heliyon 10, e24006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24006.
    [55]
    Volesky, B., 2007. Biosorption and me. Water Res. 41(18), 4017-4029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2007.05.062.
    [56]
    Zewde, D., Geremew, B., 2022. Removal of Congo red using Vernonia amygdalina leaf powder: Optimization, isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies. Environ. Pollut. Bioavailab. 34(1), 88-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/26395940.2022.2051751.
    • Relative Articles
    • Supplements(0)
    • Cited By
  • 加载中

Catalog

    通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com
    • 1. 

      沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院 沈阳 110142

    1. 本站搜索
    2. 百度学术搜索
    3. 万方数据库搜索
    4. CNKI搜索

    Figures(1)

    Get Citation
    PDF
    XML

    Article Metrics

    Article views (9) PDF downloads(0) Cited by()
    Proportional views
    Related

    Copyright © 2009 Editorial office of Water Science and Engineering 苏ICP备12023610号-1

    Supported by: Beijing Renhe Information Technology Co. Ltd   support: info@rhhz.net

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return
    Return